Leonard Bernstein - Kennedy Center Honors, 1980

Comments · 117

• TE

  @terryscott8084 · 1 year ago (edited)

  I happen to be accompanying Ms Bernstein on the bass in this video! It really was an extraordinary night, and a great honor to play a part in 1980s Kennedy Center Honors, and to honor such a Music Giant was an absolute pleasure. I also got to meet many celebrities, mainly my favorite actor, Mr James Cagney, who was honored that same night! Incidentally, we'd rehearsed the song without strings, and not knowing they'd be added until we were playing the song live, Imagine my delight, as the beautiful strings appeared outta nowhere and enhanced the beauty of the song! I almost lost concentration of what I was playing. Then to see Mr Bernstein's reaction on film, I'm just really happy for the experience! Great Night!

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• BE

  @BellaFirenze · 3 years ago

  Bernstein announced his retirement from conducting on October 9, 1990. He died five days later, in his New York apartment at The Dakota, of a heart attack brought on by mesothelioma. He was 72 years old. A longtime heavy smoker, he had emphysema from his mid-50s. On the day of his funeral procession through the streets of Manhattan, construction workers removed their hats and waved, calling out "Goodbye, Lenny".

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• AN

  @andreaguarino8207 · 1 year ago

  I really love Tilson Thomas. I am so sorry he's so sick;(

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• KA

  @kathode84 · 6 years ago

  Betty Comden and Adolph Greene always seemed like they'd be so fun to hang around with.

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• TO

  @tommoclement · 6 years ago

  Lauren  was a Class ACT.

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• BE

  @bensexton254 · 6 years ago

  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83EbvbFD9Gc&amp;t=956">15:56</a><br>The man in probably his life&apos;s most fragile living moment...

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• RE

  @rexlex1736 · 5 years ago

  Bernstein was THE musical stand-out of the 20th century. &nbsp;He will always be appreciated and GREATLY missed by those who did and DID NOT know him. &nbsp;RIP Lenny.

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• TH

  @TheJPCatholic · 3 years ago (edited)

  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83EbvbFD9Gc&amp;t=508">8:28</a> Tilson was definitely Lenny’s student. He’s playing the overture exactly at the tempo Lenny wanted it since it’s an operetta. So many times it’s done too slowly. Tilson’s recording of West Side is also considered definitive by Lenny’s daughter.

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• PA

  @pabuckie · 8 years ago

  I loved when his daughter came out to sing and seeing his emotion! How beautiful! Love Lenny!

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• LE

  @leslieackerman4189 · 2 years ago

  He was also a wonderful and adored FATHER

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• JU

  @julieberkowitz2750 · 2 years ago

  Bernstein’s genius is incomparable

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• WE

  @wernerrohr7259 · 3 years ago

  Lenny was so outstanding together with his Co-Writer Stephen Sondheim...so amazing

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